Hungry Horse lies on the edge of the lake created by Hungry Horse Dam. The town is also near the west entrance to Glacier National Park. The dam, reservoir, and hiking areas offer different focuses for your trip: you can learn about the structure and the landscape, plan activities on the water, or explore trails in Jewel Basin and on the Doris Ridge Trail.
Dam and Reservoir
Hungry Horse Dam is accessible via U.S. Highway 2 and Hungry Horse Dam Road. It is about 4.5 miles to the north end of the dam; check road conditions before you drive. The dam was completed in 1953 and is 564 feet high. In summer 2026, the visitor center remained closed, while the dam crest remained open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
The reservoir is about 34 miles long and covers 23,800 acres. More than 25 mountain peaks surround it. Length and area provide two different measures of the body of water: the first describes its extent, while the second describes the area it covers. Together with Hungry Horse’s location on the edge of the lake, the reservoir makes the connection to the water an important part of the town’s character.
Hungry Horse Reservoir offers opportunities for fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming. Cutthroat trout, bull trout, and whitefish are found in the water. If you plan your trip around one of these activities, keep in mind that seasonal conditions can affect availability. The options listed range from fishing to activities on and in the water; they are different reasons to spend time at the reservoir, rather than one single, uniform offering.
Hiking Areas and Trails
Jewel Basin covers 15,349 acres and includes 27 lakes and 35 miles of trails. It is designated for hikers only. Pack animals and motorized and mechanized use are prohibited within its boundaries. This clearly distinguishes the area from activities at the reservoir: hiking is the focus here. Access is via west-side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road 895; road conditions can vary.
One more specific trail option is Doris Ridge Trail #52, which is 2.5 miles each way. It passes through the Doris Lakes Basin and then connects with Alpine Trail 7. From Hungry Horse, reach the trail via west-side Reservoir Road 895 and Beta Creek Road 895. The access road is very rough; factor this road condition into your plans and check conditions before driving. This makes it easier to consider the trail as a hiking option in its own right, rather than equating it with the larger Jewel Basin trail network.
Harvestfest and Local Sweets
If you’re traveling in mid-October, Harvestfest is a specific date to note: it is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse. The 2026 program includes a chili cook-off and a cornbread contest. Check the date and program before you arrive. Since both contests are part of the festival program, they may be relevant when planning your visit that day.
There’s also a local option for a shopping break: The Huckleberry Patch store in Hungry Horse sells fresh huckleberry pies and other sweets. The dam, reservoir, trails, and event date appeal to different travel interests. Plan according to which of these options matter for your stay; for trips to the dam and the hiking trails, be sure to check the relevant road conditions.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: West Glacier, Kila, Marion, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Essex
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